A U.S. District Judge has found that ICE agents violated a consent decree concerning warrantless arrests in the Chicago area and unlawfully detained over two dozen individuals. The ruling, part of an extended consent decree lasting until 2026, imposes limits on such arrests and requires ICE to report the number of warrant-less arrests. This stems from a lawsuit accusing ICE of violating the 2022 Castañon Nava settlement, which established conditions for warrant-less arrests. The court found ICE’s arguments for carrying blank warrant forms meritless, ordering retraining for violating officers and increased reporting requirements.
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A 15-year-old Houston teen who went missing after October 4th has been in ICE custody since Monday. The teen disappeared while selling fruit with his mother when he asked to use the restroom and never returned. After a local organization, FIEL, helped the family publicize the situation, it was revealed that the boy was in a Houston-area detention center. Though the teen is reportedly safe, his family is currently working to secure his release.
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A Chicago pastor, Rev. David Black, injured during a protest outside a Broadview ICE facility, is now a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s response to demonstrations. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed the lawsuit on behalf of journalists, media organizations, clergy, and local residents, alleging that federal agents used excessive force, including tear gas and pepper balls, against peaceful protestors. The plaintiffs argue that these actions violated First Amendment rights and are seeking to restrict federal tactics at the facility. The court is currently considering a temporary restraining order while the case proceeds.
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During a protest at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in South Portland, 84-year-old Richard Eckman, a Vietnam War veteran, and his wife Laurie Eckman, also 84, were reportedly charged and knocked to the ground by federal agents. The Eckmans, who were peacefully protesting, stated that the agents rushed at them without any apparent provocation. According to Laurie Eckman, she was also hit by a projectile, resulting in a concussion. Several witnesses and the Eckmans themselves expressed shock at the agents’ behavior, emphasizing that the protesters were peaceful and not affiliated with any groups known for violence.
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Tear gas deployed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents affected Chicago Police Department officers during recent clashes with protesters. Videos and witness accounts confirm the use of tear gas, raising concerns from local officials about the safety of both protesters and law enforcement. Broadview Police Chief Thomas Mills has reported multiple instances of ICE agents deploying crowd-control measures, including verbal assaults and questionable tactics, leading to a “dangerous situation” and the opening of criminal investigations. These events are taking place against the backdrop of Operation Midway Blitz, a federal initiative that has led to nearly 5,000 detentions in Illinois this year.
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According to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, federal immigration law enforcement officers and agents in Chicago are being targeted with bounties by “gangs” and “cartel members” following aggressive immigration raids directed by President Trump. These raids, which are against the wishes of Chicago’s mayor and the governor of Illinois, have sparked protests and clashes between agents and the public. Noem claims that the protests have led to increased violence against agents, alleging that some demonstrators may be funded by organized crime groups. The Independent has requested more information from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding this matter.
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Saturday saw federal agents employing chemical crowd control and making at least six arrests when a protest of hundreds marched to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building. Approximately 400 individuals of various ages and backgrounds participated in the demonstration, which was a response to potential National Guard deployment in the city. During the protest, federal officers, equipped with gas masks, dispersed the crowd using pepper balls and tear gas.
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During a recent Fox & Friends Weekend appearance, Secretary Kristi Noem described Chicago as a “war zone,” citing difficulties ICE agents face, including limited access to restrooms and lunch breaks. Noem’s comments follow her experience with anti-ICE protestors in Chicago, where she was denied entry to a building. She criticized Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, alleging their stance on immigration has fueled resentment toward federal agents. Pritzker countered by accusing Noem of not knowing what she’s talking about, while also stating that ICE is not “going after the bad guys” and targeting minorities instead.
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During a visit to an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was denied access to the restroom at the Village of Broadview Municipal Building. Video captured Noem and her team being refused entry by staff, prompting her to criticize Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and local leaders for their treatment of law enforcement. The incident occurred while Noem was meeting with employees at the ICE processing facility, which was met with protests and subsequent arrests. Broadview officials stated Noem’s visit was unannounced and denied she requested a meeting with the mayor, with the DHS clarifying she only asked to use the restroom.
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Kristi Noem Says ICE Will Be ‘All Over’ the Super Bowl, and this statement has clearly sparked a lot of reactions. It’s hard not to notice the immediate skepticism, bordering on disbelief, that’s swirling around the idea. The general consensus seems to be: why? What exactly is ICE going to be doing at a Super Bowl? The event is already one of the most heavily secured gatherings on the planet.
The primary source of bewilderment stems from the demographics of the typical Super Bowl attendee. The vast majority of people attending the game are going to be affluent, as ticket prices are exorbitantly high.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood